Reduce, reuse and recycle is the catchy slogan that served as one of the early messages about environmental sustainability. The "reduce" part refers not only to creating less waste by recycling, but also to consuming fewer products and resources by purchasing recycled materials. Nearly every aspect of your life can, in some way, be influenced by or created from recycled materials. Do a little research before you purchase any product and you're likely to find a recycled option.
Step 1
Check the packaging on items you purchase from the grocery or department store to see if it's made from recycled materials. Choose products that not only have recycled packaging, but that have the least amount of packaging as well.
Step 2
Work with your contractor and architect to plan home construction or renovations that include recycled materials. The Environmental Protection Agency, in its publication "Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings" points out that recycled elements such as flooring, carpet, windows and furniture can yield considerable economic and environmental advantages.
Step 3
Landscape with recycled materials. Use reclaimed tires, barrels and industrial water tanks to make planting beds. Select benches and decking made from plastic lumber, which is made from discarded plastics, suggests the Environmental Protection Agency.
Step 4
Search your house for an item you can recycle into something you intended to buy. For example, if you drink soda in plastic bottles, use the empties to make bird feeders, flower pots or pet food scoops. Use empty take-out containers for food storage instead of purchasing new containers.
Step 5
Purchase clothing and accessories made from recycled materials. Plastics can be recycled into soft, durable fabrics. They're also made into reusable shopping bags, fashion bags, hair accessories and costume jewelry.
Step 6
Buy recycled materials when it's time to purchase school supplies. Look for notebooks, filler paper, note pads, envelopes and even pencils that are made from recycled materials.
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